HistoryBuffalo

I appreciate everyone’s comments thus far, it is greatly appreciated. Obviously no one knows what the future holds for comics but I am curious if for $650 this comic is a decent investment or a risk? I’m not necessarily buying to make a profit and I really enjoy the cover on this issue, however it would be nice to know I’m not getting something that will find it’s price cut in half later down the road. Should I have to, I’d at least like to recoup the $650 that this comic may require, whether it be next year or 20+ years in the future. I’m leaning towards yes, it will command a higher price in the far off future but may possibly drop if I am looking into the near future. Any opinions are most welcomed!

Hi all,

I found a wartime Cap issue that I've had interest in for a while as I've been keeping a list of potential issues I could acquire. Obviously on first glance it is pretty beat up but... as I am not necessarily buying a book strictly for it's condition, it doesn't bother me as much. It features a great Syd Shores wartime cover of Cap socking it to our Axis foes and a scene that's not to shabby with bright colors and the characters seemingly coming through the page. I know that Schomburg covers are the way that many have advised me to go but this one seems like it could hold it's own based on the subject matter alone.

After reaching out to CGC I was told that it would most likely grade at a 0.5 due to the damage and detached cover but the limit is 1.5. So if I were I to buy this I would most likely get it graded and encapsulated strictly for protection, preservation and authenticity.

My question is what would you pin on this as far as a fair value range or price? I know comics are jumping and as a college student the price seems high but I feel that at some point I may just have to jump off into the deep end and pull the trigger as I have missed out on a few good issues and deals already by waiting.

Also, I noticed some penciled letters on the "M" in the "Captain America" title on the cover, silly question but could that be a pedigree? I started reading into them and thought they were interesting and the writing on this issue looked curious.

As always, thanks so much. Everyone's help and knowledge is always greatly appreciated!

Jake

Bump! Still looking for a badge in any condition!

Hi all,

it seems I’ve picked the worst time to finally get into comics and look for a GA Cap. I’ve wanted to buy a Timely Captain America since I was 12 years old when the film first hit theaters but when I saw prices then nearly a decade ago, all I could do was look and window shop. Now that I’m a little older I have a little saved up from selling portions of prior collecting areas like sports cards and such but again, looking at the prices a decade later I feel much like I did as a kid... priced out. Each time I’ve looked at acquiring a comic over the years the prices have been higher each time. My question is this, even with these rising prices there are a few options for me as far as a GA Captain America issue, I’m unsure as to whether I should pull the trigger on one of them or wait? The issues in question are #20 for $650 and #56 for $290 and I would only get one. Both are beat up but each is nearly complete save for a detached cover of #20 and missing half the back cover on #56. I am worried that prices may continue to climb and level off to a point where I will be priced out of these issues as well.

When I first started looking for a GA Cap, I would have taken any copy, now I sit searching for a wartime issue (although I wouldn’t pass up postwar if it was right.) While I have found coverless from the war years, it doesn’t seem to fit what I’m looking for and should I ever decide to resell it or need to do so, I would almost certainly loose money. Condition is not as huge a factor for me as it is for others. As long as it presentable, I am pleased. As a college history major, the historical value and aspect of a title like Captain America is much more important to me.

I’m at the point where I’m not totally priced out but fear I may soon be. So, in this time of crazy collecting and even nuttier prices... that’s my conundrum. Any guidance is welcome and appreciated!

22 hours ago, Robot Man said:

Not selling mine, but keep your eyes open for the Hakes Americana auctions. They often have one. Set up a search in EBay. They turn up there occasionally. 

By the way, there is a whole thread about these probably a couple pages back...

I've found one so far that I am considering... just need to see how high it goes price-wise. I found the thread you mentioned, lots of good info on there! 

6 hours ago, LudaToke said:

I am on my way to becoming some sort of version of Cyborg/Vision/Ultron.  I'm a type 1 Diabetic and I use an insulin pump and sensor to monitor things.  Essentially I have a small machine on each of my arms constantly giving me insulin and  monitoring blood sugar levels.  A lot of the Type 1 Diabetic community are now hacking their own devices to improve functionality and customization.  I only see further integration of these machines into my biology in the future.

I too am a Type-1 Diabetic, I've always thought of my pump as some sort of cyborg element haha. Someday I hope there is a cure but we have to embrace the good and the bad and make the best of it and if that means looking at it as being a cyborg or a superhero I'll take it! I was joking the other day when I received my first COVID vaccine dose and called it my super soldier serum.

I had no idea people are hacking their pumps... that's kinda cool! 

Hi all,

In my search for a golden age Cap as well as taking a deep dive into the world of both Cap's mythos and comic history, I rediscovered something that I had forgotten about when I originally started on my quest years ago. I recalled seeing that Cap had a fan club during the war and that from 1941-1942 a badge and membership to this "Sentinel's of Liberty" club could be purchased for 10 cents. From my research, it appears that the badges were made of both copper and brass but were discontinued sometime after 1942 or 1943 as all materials were going towards the American war effort. This seems like something that is more within my niche as I study history in college right now and one of my focuses is on the Second World War. This would be an interesting piece as it pertains to both Cap’s cultural role during the war and the character's historical role in comics. Not to mention the fact that it may have galvanized some young person and inspire them to contribute in their own way. So, the badge is a win-win for me both as a history student and a collector.

I have found some recent examples for sale at auction, at least one each year going back the past decade, however, I wanted to check on here and see if anyone has one they'd consider parting with? I know that complete kits go for a steep price but a badge alone can still be affordable, so I thought this might be a better route for me. It doesn't hurt to see what is out there! So, if you have one... let me know, even if it's just to share, I'd love to see it!

Jake

39 minutes ago, Mr.Fantastic said:

I appreciate you being such a young collector with such a good eye.  I too have always loved the Captain America runs of the 40s.  Have you tried also looking at other Timely titles including All-Select, USA, and All-Winners where Captain America is usually featured? It seems like with the $650 and $290 you were going to spend on the two books with issues you could spend $950 or a tad more and get a decent low-grade copy with marginal issues.

I have checked out the other titles and the USA one does interest me as well. As for what I bought, it was just going to be one comic or the other, so $650 was my ceiling on total price. There are a few nice copies I’ve seen within that $950 range but that’s well north of my budget right now.

19 minutes ago, pemart1966 said:

If you've still got a lot of questions then the worst thing that you can do is start buying.  That's when mistakes are made.  Get all of your questions answered first THEN make your buying decision.

Your posts seem as if you're spinning around looking for some place - any place -  to put down money.  There's no urgency.  Take your time and make an informed decision.  If that takes awhile then so be it but don't "panic buy". 

It’s not that I want to throw my money down immediately, I’m just at the point where I’ve been saving up for a while I finally have a few options that fit what I’m looking for in some way or another and fit my budget. In the past I was always either “priced out” or looking at the wrong times. I also worry that the with older these issues get, the scarcity will increase and the higher their price will go. But Cap is already going on 80 now... I’ll keep my eye out and be patient as you said. There are no doubt other great issues out there! Thank you for your comment, it is very much appreciated.

14 minutes ago, pemart1966 said:

I'd pass quickly on both of these.  They both have significant condition issues.  Continue to save your money and then buy the best blue label book that you can find.

 

As much as I would like to buy a decent blue label, I’ll never have the means to do so, not now and probably not in 20 years. With that said, I’m also perfectly happy with something in a lower grade. The more so think about it, the more I think I’m even going to shelve the idea of buying issue #20 for $650. It just isn’t something I can truly justify. I’d like to stay within my means and budget and think in the end I’ll feel more at ease that way, knowing I didn’t spend all my money on one single issue. There is a sharp coverless copy of issue #25 that I can get for $300 that would fit much better in my price range but I feel that these ballooning prices for coverless issues, even wartime Captain America, aren’t sustainable and will probably drop? The issues in question that I post about are what I can afford and are what I’m comfortable with but as this is not my area of confidence when it comes to collecting, I still have a lot of questions.

20 minutes ago, adamstrange said:

Good luck with school!  I'm saddened for students (which includes my nieces and nephews) having to do this remotely.

Thank you! It has been tough, especially last year. I think the fall will be a lot better. I’ll have my first in person class in the summer which I’m both nervous and excited for. It really is crappy to be charged for in person learning and tuition when it is all remote. However, I’m just thankful I still get to pursue my education in this time... there are a lot of other people who aren’t as lucky as I. These times really make you put everything in perspective.

19 minutes ago, adamstrange said:

I wouldn't worry about much about the retroactive re-writing of history having much of a negative impact on GA books.  If writers suddenly decide a character is important (e.g. Groot) then you may see a rise but I don't recall seeing a drop.

However, I agree with Timely that it never hurts to have a cover with Cap fighting Nazi's or Japanese, though those will be more expensive.

You make a good point. I watched the most recent episode of Falcon and the Winter Soldier today and saw the introduction of Isaiah Bradley into the MCU, so there have been other individuals to take up the mantle (or rather shield) but just haven’t been mentioned yet. So having Naslund as Cap doesn’t bother me as much although as they say, the original is always the best, hence me wanting an issue featuring Steve Rogers.

23 minutes ago, Timely said:

Non-WWII covers are slow to sell in that title until you hit around 62 onward when they get more interesting and scarce. #48-59 are tougher sellers. 

I appreciate you letting me know. That’s what it appeared when I was looking! The resale aspect isn’t terribly important however, in being a college student and shelling out this kind of money (I have saved up and sold off a few items of my collection... sports cards, historical memorabilia to make this happen but still) it is nice to know I could break even or make a little money even should I decide to sell or need to.

Hi all,

I’ve narrowed my search down to two issues of the original Timely Captain America run. The first is issue #20 from November 1942 and issue #56 from May 1946. The first is a complete issue but has a split spine and has a cover held with tape. That copy would run me about $650. The second is 95% complete save for the top half of the back cover having been torn away during some point (it contained a coupon/order form for an advertisement) with everything else attached. This one would run me $290. I almost have enough saved up for issue #20 but sit about $130 short. However when I start looking at comics in that price range I am unsure if spending that kind of money is worth it? Would it hold its value years from now at that price? I understand that wartime Cap’s are more desirable but that still seems like a hefty sum! Secondly, from what research I’ve done, I understand that the Captain America that was Steve Rogers perished sometime in April of 1945 with his last published adventures being July of 1945 with issue #48 and that this was explained when the story was retconed by Marvel. So beginning in Timely issue #49 a new Captain America named William Naslund was chosen to take over and held the mantle until issue #59. Would a postwar issue like #56 featuring Naslund still be desirable and at that price? It is obviously a much more manageable price but I’m unsure of the value and desirability when it comes to those plasters, Naslund issues?

Any and all opinions welcome!

On 3/23/2021 at 8:52 PM, JWKyle said:

Welcome to the Boards @SkoBuffs99

Thank you for the warm welcome! Happy to be here! Learning a lot and reading lots of interesting posts!

Just heard back! Case closed!

Just now, thunsicker said:

He's got his phone number on his order form.  Have you tried calling him?

Don't know how I missed that! I'll give that a try. Thanks!

Hi all,

I'm trying to get in touch with Terry's comics based out of California https://www.terryscomics.com as there are some issues for sale there that I am interested in. I haven't heard anything and have tried a few emails. Just looking for a little help or if Terry is on the forums here? Thanks so much!

Jake

9 hours ago, KirbyJack said:

I own those comics and I really enjoy them. I think the deal sounds good; I would be tempted to pull the trigger myself. 
I love Kirby most, but the 20 cent cover Sal Buscema era really stands out, too. Great run to assemble.

Do you know what the first and last issues of Buscema's Cap run were? 

Hi all,

A project I've always considered has been collecting the entire original run of Captain America and The Falcon stories published over a seven year span between 1971 and 1978. The issue count is 89 total running from #133-#222 and includes Jack Kirby's second take on Cap from issues #193-#214. I've always enjoyed the on screen relationship between Cap and The Falcon in the MCU and the two are among my favorite superheroes. I thought it would be fun to take a look at their relationship in the comics too. I haven't seen a complete run of this issue before and am thinking of starting with the Kirby run of #193-#214 as launching point and picking up an issue or two each month going forward starting in April. I can currently get the complete chunk of Kirby issues as well as #190-#192 in very presentable condition with great eye appeal for $63 including shipping and would like some opinions as to whether or not this is a good deal and if this would be a good set once completed? Regardless, I think it would be a fun project!

Thanks in advance!

Hi all,

A project I've always considered has been collecting the entire original run of Captain America and The Falcon stories published over a seven year span between 1971 and 1978. The issue count is 89 total running from #133-#222 and includes Jack Kirby's second take on Cap from issues #193-#214. I've always enjoyed the on screen relationship between Cap and The Falcon in the MCU and the two are among my favorite superheroes. I thought it would be fun to take a look at their relationship in the comics too. I haven't seen a complete run of this issue before and am thinking of starting with the Kirby run of #193-#214 as launching point and picking up an issue or two each month going forward starting in April. I can currently get the complete chunk of Kirby issues as well as #190-#192 in very presentable condition with great eye appeal for $63 including shipping and would like some opinions as to whether or not this is a good deal and if this would be a good set once completed? Regardless, I think it would be a fun project!

Thanks in advance!

Edit: I had my publication dates wrong. Being that this issue falls within the Bronze Age, I have moved this post over to that section as well.

Hi all,

I am on my journey to acquire a golden age Captain America comic published between the war years of 1940-1945. I've got a few options so far. The first is issue #50 and from what I see it was the first published after Japan had officially surrendered and the process of returning home began. The copy is coverless and has damage in the bottom left corner that is described as a "chew through" going completely through the comic. In my search so far, it seems that the coverless issues will fit better within my my price range but obviously don't present as well and don't seem as desirable. As for the price of issue #50 I may be able to acquire it for $200-$250. I do however have an opportunity at purchasing issue #22 that is missing both the centerfold and back cover for $700 which is a huge price jump. The comic looks super sharp though and would present nicely but can't help but to wonder if that price is in line with its value or if it is too high? Essentially is it worth it, for either? At this point in my life and I'm certain that at most other points, I won't really be able to justify spending that kind of money ($700 for #22) on a single issue. I'm sure that my current lack of knowledge plays into this, as I would love to own a solid golden age issue but the prices kind of scare me away. I probably should have been looking into this about 10 years ago but I didn't, so here I sit and contemplate. As a history major, I am well aware that the farther we get from the events of our past, their primary sources and items of importance become harder and harder to find, so I am stuck with the feeling that if I wait 10-20 years etc. the issues of Captain America's Timely run will become more scare and the prices will rise, even higher than they already are.

Hi all,

I've just joined here after doing research into a few certain comic runs. I'm pretty new to comics and this seems like a great place to ask questions, get answers and chat about various comic related topics! I was always a huge fan of Marvel growing up, mainly the movies but I was inspired by my brother to look more into the comics themselves! Some of my favorites are Captain America, Iron Man and The Falcon. Out of curiosity I have been looking at picking up a 1941-1945 golden age issue of Captain America and was astonished by the prices I saw! Being a college student, many of the comics look like a pipe dream. but hey, its fun to look right! Hopefully I can learn more here and see some neat things!

Thanks for having me,

Jake